Ok this is bugging me

[DarbiMolly 188]

That whole ordeal sounds like "fly by night". If I had of gone in and the scale was broken that would have been it for me. Lots of red flags there.

Edited June 26, 2014 by DarbiMolly

[Jersrose43 837]

Really, just self pay here in the US? Try looking into that option. My friend just had her surgery in the US. $28,000. That is not even an option for my daughter. We both live on limited budget. I am retired with fixed income so I am unable to help her. She is single so only one income. Not sure how we can pull that kind of money out of the air. In the mean time others... the ins company, decide who can and who cannot have the surgery. This is not even a patient doctor decision as to the necessity of surgery! So what are the other options beside Mexico? Just not have it? I see my daughter live a lonely and unhappy life because she feels like an outcast due to her size. She has no energy to even get out and walk or do other exercise because her feet, knees, and back hurt so bad. It has become a vicious cycle. I am proud that she wants to make a better life for herself, starting with this surgery. Unfortunate, yes, that she could not afford to have the surgery here, but we have done what we can to make the best educated decision based on information available to us, and we will be heading to Mexico. As far as after surgery, whether it be the surgery was performed here or in Mexico, self pay is deemed elective surgery. So complications, if they occur, must be addressed for either patient. The location of where the WLS occurred should be irrelevant in regards to follow up care here in the US.

Yes really

I read your other posts I am sorry she didn't qualify with her insurance plan but there are other options

Waiting until January so you have 2 years documented

Appealing that decision as far as the state insurance commissioner

Having self pay in the us at a different location- compare pricing.

Really I hope the best for you both and I hope Mexico is a good decision for you

[jjinWA 511]

Though but for the grace of God go I.

[Travelmego 235]

@@Jersrose43 I have limited amount of money in the time frame I have available to me to get this surgery. After this summer, I am committed to projects and will not have the time needed to recover available to me. If I could raise another 5 or 10 or 20 k before my time frame ran out, then I would consider surgery in the USA. I would also consider Mexico. Why would I want to pay double, triple or 5 times as much when I can get high quality surgery for less? I don't think a surgeon being in the USA automatically qualifies him or her as better than all surgeons in Mexico.

Again, I will not accept blanket condemnation of all Mexican surgeons, nor will I accept blanket praises. I will add that I do not accept blanket praises of all American surgeons either.

Edited June 27, 2014 by Travelmego

[Jersrose43 837]

@@Jersrose43 I have limited amount of money in the time frame I have available to me to get this surgery. After this summer, I am committed and will not have the time needed to recover available to me. If I could raise another 5 or 10 or 20 k before my time frame ran out, then I would consider surgery in the USA. I would also consider Mexico. Why would I want to pay double, triple or 5 times as much when I can get high quality surgery for less? I don't think a surgeon being in the USA automatically qualifies him or her as better than all surgeons in Mexico. Again, I will not accept blanket condemnation of all Mexican surgeons, nor will I accept blanket praises. I will add that I do not accept blanket praises of all American surgeons either.

Am I glad that you are not accepting of blanket praise. That is what I like to hear. May you be blessed with a great surgeon regardless of locale.

[Travelmego 235]

And likewise, I hope you reconsider your blanket condemnation of getting surgery outside of the USA. That is what I would like to hear. Cheers!

[woo woo 872]

Some parts of the USA (southern states like texas, louisiana, florida etc) offer self-pay rates that are very, very competitive with Mexico rates.

Many also run specials during the summer for example or for lower-income folks. Just putting that out there for those that were not aware of that option. I have seen specials in the 4-5k range in the US lately.

[phatphotog 61]

To those talking about dr. Corvala, I just had my surgery by him three weeks ago. Highly recommend! I had no issues at all. Not even nausea. I was there 5 nights. They were unable to get an IV in me the night before surgery. This happens EVERY time I need an IV but I was extra dehydrated from traveling so I had a pic line in my chest. It was done in an operating room and cost us $400 extra. The one who did it said that's only his second time having to do one for a surgery patient though so not a common issue. Meds to go home with were are $200. I would do it all again in a heartbeat. Very nice hospital. Excellent care and staff. And I'm down 31lbs already!

[Jersrose43 837]

And likewise, I hope you reconsider your blanket condemnation of getting surgery outside of the USA. That is what I would like to hear. Cheers!

I don't condemn it. If it's the right decision for you. Go for it. I just don't understand it As per the other poster. I would rather search the entirety of the US and find an appropriate option here than to go outside the country. It's just not something I can relate to for me That said I want to make clear that I have a boatload of family members who have had cosmetics done in Brazil, cancer treatment in Portugal (my mom) and hip surgery is Costa Rica. It was the right decision for them based on time, expense and their mental fortitude. I also saw some complication and what they went thru to get treatment upon return. I would rather move mountains to make it happen here. That said I can't afford a sleeve in nj cash - it's $25k. But in Texas, Louisiana and other southern states or Wyoming, Nebraska not so much.

Edited June 27, 2014 by Jersrose43

[Travelmego 235]

Sooo, you would rather go with the worst surgeon in the USA than the best surgeon in Mexico? Not me.

[Travelmego 235]

@@woo woo Where have you seen these specials of 4 - 5k in the USA. I would like a link if you have one. What is included in their packages? Do you stay over in the hospital or is it same day discharge?

Edited June 28, 2014 by Travelmego

[Jersrose43 837]

@@woo woo Where have you seen these specials of 4 - 5k in the USA. I would like a link if you have one. What is included in their packages? Do you stay over in the hospital or is it same day discharge?

Did I say 4-5? I said not so much as 25 as it is here in nj

And they're not bad docs prices for healthcare are greater on the coasts less in south and Midwest

[Travelmego 235]

That was addressed to woowoo who said 4 - 5.

[woo woo 872]

@@Travelmego I live in Dallas/Ft Worth area, many of the popular surgeons advertise on tv here. I saw an ad on tv this week for 10,900 self-pay sleeve for anyone, or 4900 for "those who qualify". This one was for Dr. David Kim.

He has a program called "Making Bariatrics Affordable". This is the website I found through a search: http://www.drdkim.net/special-pricing/

I would not be surprised if the prices on the other "big" Dallas area surgeons are close to these or will be soon as there is a lot of competition here between Dr Kim, Dr Nicholson, Dr Barker and possibly a couple others.

I know for sure that Dr Kim and Dr Nicholson regularly serve out of town patients.

[Travelmego 235]

Ok, great @@woo woo - really appreciate that. I wonder if qualifying means you have a hernia and can have part of the cost offset by insurance that way. I am going to check it out. I won't change my surgeon now - still going to Mexico - but I would love to know the details.